It is completely normal that you are the only one who can help your toddler nap. It’s perfectly fine that only you can soothe your child to sleep at night. It’s also okay if you find it hard to imagine spending a night away from your little one, or if you can envision it with ease. Feeling a mix of resentment and overwhelming love for your child’s significant dependency on you is a common experience.
It’s alright if your toddler still nurses during the night, or if you sometimes offer to nurse just to enjoy a moment of peace on the couch. Using nursing as a tool to prevent meltdowns is not unusual, nor is it uncommon to occasionally prefer to offer something other than the breast. Feeling touched out or experiencing discomfort while nursing is a valid feeling.
Many mothers find themselves scrolling on their phones during nursing sessions, yet still take pleasure in the warmth and closeness that breastfeeding brings. It’s normal to cherish the nights spent beside your child, even if they no longer sleep with you as often. Uncertainty about when weaning will happen is shared by many parents, whether you have a gradual weaning plan in mind or wish to speed up the process.
Each child’s nursing journey is unique, and it’s okay if your toddler nurses more or less frequently than those of your friends. Nursing creates a special bond between you, yet it’s natural to feel lost when you are apart. It is perfectly fine to question when you will reclaim your independence, your body, and your sleep.
You may even find joy in the scent of your child as you bond during nursing. It’s completely acceptable to feel content with your current life or to wish for a return to a sense of freedom—and to experience a mix of emotions surrounding it all. Each of these feelings is a part of the normal spectrum of motherhood.
For millions of years, mammals have nursed their young into toddlerhood and beyond, navigating the complex emotions inherent in that bond. Recognize that nursing does not have a single definition for all mothers and children. Tune in to your instincts, listen to your child, and embrace the present moment. Feel the love, and remember to care for yourself amidst it all. For those looking for additional insights, you may find it helpful to check out this post or explore resources on female infertility that can provide further support.
In summary, nurturing a nursing toddler comes with an array of emotions and experiences that are all part of the journey. Embrace your feelings—whether they are of love, frustration, or confusion—because they are entirely valid and normal.